We are going to take a break from Google Drive, to share the benefit of another tech tool for teaching: WordPress. It may seem cliche that here we are on a WordPress blog, promoting WordPress, but hear me out.
I have used class blogs since I started teaching here in Guatemala, and they are a lifesaver! Here, three big benefits:
- I can use them to upload handouts I give in class, which saves me having to hunt down students if they were missing, and saves students who can easily access the instructions for the project due tomorrow, when they have lost the copy I gave them
- I can upload project due dates — even keep a countdown, if I choose — as well as instructions given during class, in case the student forgets or doesn’t take notes
- I can share materials used in class, such as presentations, YouTube videos, or articles, allowing students to access them at any time, but also giving access to their parents to see what we are doing in class, and allowing my principal/coordinator/boss to see materials used and topics covered
I have also used the blog to offer extra credit opportunities, such as articles found or extra topic-related resources from which they can benefit. All while saving my precious class time for more guided learning. Below are links to two class blogs from 2015 and 2014, for 9th grade Geography:
valleverdegeog.wordpress.com
vvgeog2015.wordpress.com
Take a look!
Amanda M. Orozco 
Thank you very much for your helpful reply!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amanda, thanks so much for posting this! I also use WordPress as a class blog. Mine for this current school year is right here: https://mrpahlonline.wordpress.com/
It is really cool to see the way that you are using WordPress as a class blog!
I have a couple of questions.
1) How do you create a countdown for an assignment using wordpress?
2) How do you create categories in WordPress (can this be done with pages in WordPress)?
Blessings!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Love your teaching blog! Looks like you are finding great use in WordPress. 🙂 To answer your questions…
1. Hmm… it’s been a while since I did this, and I can’t seem to find the option to add a “countdown” widget, although I used to have it back in 2014 for my Geography students. What I do see is that you can add a iCalendar URL (add as a widget), to show upcoming events. Additionally, you can create a page, and embed a Google Calendar (in case you don’t use iCalendar).
2. When you are in your WordPress “My Sites” page, on the left column select “Menus”, and it will show the list of pages you have created for your site. Click the + button to the right of any page, and then select “Add menu item below”. It will then allow you to name the menu item, and give you the option of page, link, category, tag, post or testimonials. Choose category, and then it should show you a list of categories that you are already using with your blog.
Let me know if you have any further questions! 🙂 Glad to help!
LikeLike